Beyond NEET: Precariousness, Ideology and Social Justice – the 99%

Abstract

The paper addresses NEET as an ideological and discursive formation, lodging the discussion within its socio-economic context -one of increasing insecurity and precariousness. It argues that frequently quasi-political and ideological constructions of NEET can readily fold over into and articulate with discourses of the underclass, the broken society as well as, paradoxically, that of social recession. Consequently, such arguments divert attention from processes of 'othering', the secular changes facing society as well as the spectre of a return to a form of nineteenth century liberalism. Although the argument is located within the English context it has a relevance to other western societies in which we can discern similar tendencies. '. (Pearson, 1975: pxi) Both those inside the policy discourse and those whose professional identities are established through antagonism towards the discourse benefit from the uncertainties and tragedies of reform. Critical researchers, apparently ensconced in the moral

Developing career capabilities in “NEET” young people: experiences of participants in the Prince’s Trust team programme

“…Firstly, the banking crisis in 2008 and the subsequent global economic downturn resulted in elevated levels of youth unemployment across Europe (European Commission, 2016) providing a powerful reminder that youth labour markets are vulnerable to the economic cycle (Bell & Blanchflower, 2011;Scarpetta, Sonnet & Manfredi, 2010). Secondly, young people are particularly affected by the casualisation of work, and the growth of insecure employment (Avis, 2014;Eichhorst & Rinne, 2014;IPPR, 2014). This can lead to work patterns that Shildrick, Macdonald, Webster and Garthwaite (2012) have labelled a 'low-pay, no pay cycle'.…”

Counting and Meeting NEET Young People

“…The terminology they employ is more reminiscent of mid-nineteenth century discourse on 'mobs' and 'dangerous classes' than of more recent discourse on people 'seeking social incorporation' (cf. Avis, 2014;Li, 2013). In this particular instance, in other words, aspects of NEET young peoples' lives and experiences are concealed through conceptual connotations as much as through limitations of research based on counting.…”

Being NEET in Youthspaces of the EU South: A Post-recession Regional Perspective

“…For instance, young individuals are affected by the shifting position of their localities within the global production networks and have to address certain socio-economic barriers in order to become employed (Quintano et al, 2018). Less-affluent labour markets reproduce fragmenting mechanisms and foster youth unemployment and inactivity (Avis, 2014). Youth navigates itself through precarity in order to make a living within these labour realities.…”

“…Young people Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEETs) compose a potentially large segment of the labour market, highly vulnerable to economic YOUNG 30 (5) shocks and recessions. The 2008The -2009 global economic recession has sparked off an intense academic and political discussion on the increasing youth unemployment and inactivity (Avis, 2014;Mascherini & Ledermaier, 2016). Although it is commonly acknowledged that limited participation in education and labour precariousness negatively affect young people's lives, the deeper forces of youth disengagement are often not well understood.…”